Midnight Mass

The meanest mother of them all! This week, Peaches and Michael are fetching the axe in celebration of 1981’s MOMMIE DEAREST! In addition to discussing this audacious portrait of Hollywood’s juggling of camp and severity, our hosts delve into the double standard women are held to when delivering larger than life performances. Joining the conversation is The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' Director of Film Programs K.J. Relth-Miller, whose love of filmmaker Frank Perry helps provide insight on this cult classic’s reverential glamour. Then, A. Ashley Hoff, author of With Love...

Unpleasant dreams! In this very special episode, Peaches and Michael are LIVE at the legendary Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in celebration of 1988’s ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK! Recorded on site in the David Geffen Theater on July 19th, 2024, our hosts delve into how the maven of the macabre’s inaugural motion picture outing inspired generations of fans to follow. Joining the conversation is none other than the icon herself, Cassandra Peterson, who shares stories of the triumphs and challenges of bringing her cult fave character to the silver screen. From misbehaved poodles to audi...

The girls were…eaten! This week, Peaches and Michael take a deranged trip to the countryside in celebration of 1977’s HOUSE! In addition to discussing this fever dream fave’s place as a singular slice of psychedelic haunting, our hosts delve into the impactful imagery of ghost cats and severed fingers. Joining the conversation is music-industry manager and radio DJ Kelly Fitzpatrick, whose interest in the film’s unusual uniqueness led to a lifetime of love. Then, drag icon Louisianna Purchase stops by to dig into why this cult classic is an undeniably feminine...

As if! This week, Peaches and Michael are rollin’ with the homies in celebration of 1995’s CLUELESS! In addition to discussing the sheer pop culture defining power of filmmaker Amy Heckerling, our hosts delve into how this forever fave cleverly subverts the tropes of classic teen cinema. Joining the conversation is drag icon Biqtch Puddin’, who shares how the smart character construction of Cher Horowitz continues to inspire her. Then, acclaimed host of SLAYERFEST 98 Ian Carlos Crawford stops by to talk about a lifetime of love for the film and its messages of queer...

The monsters are no longer in the closet! This week, Peaches and Michael dig into a “fearz” subgenre that’s near and dear to their hearts – QUEER HORROR! In addition to discussing how they’ve watched the cultural conversation around LGBTQIA+ representation in genre shift in real time, our hosts delve into the very real catharsis fright cinema provides for those who have faced the true horrors of society. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli, whose life work has led to the definitive empirical study that links queer spectator ship and the horror...

Long live the new flesh! This week, Peaches and Michael are serving body in an Idol Worship celebration of David Cronenberg! In addition to discussing this notorious auteur’s penchant for exploring physical frights, our hosts delve into how audiences often react erotically to his particular brand of horror. Joining the conversation is acclaimed writer/editor Ally Melling, whose discovery of THE FLY at a young age led to a lifetime obsession with this groundbreaking filmmaker's oeuvre. Then, celebrated author Jared Stearns reveals how his work writing about the life of Marilyn Chambers le...

Pour yourself a cup of ambition! This week, Peaches and Michael are gathering around the watercooler in celebration of 1980’s 9 TO 5! In addition to discussing this undeniable classic’s crucial feminist messaging, our hosts delve into the power of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as pop culture defining powerhouses. Joining the conversation is horror icon Felissa Rose, who not only speaks to a deep obsession with this forever fave, but also unpacks what it means for women working in the industry and beyond. Then, drag legend Varla Jean Merman stops by to d...

A true child of the popcorn! In this very special episode, Peaches and Michael sit down with iconic actor, writer, and filmmaker Joshua John Miller for an in-depth talk about a lifetime in cult cinema. In advance of his forthcoming feature THE EXORCISM, Joshua reflects on growing up with genre royalty for parents, living a punk lifestyle, and taking part in such pop culture defining fare as NEAR DARK, TEEN WITCH, RIVER'S EDGE, and more. Additionally, this singular creator speaks on the meta-aspects of storytelling that led to the creation of contemporary fave THE FINAL GIRLS, as...

He has his father’s eyes! This week, Peaches and Michael are moving into a new apartment building in celebration of 1968’s ROSEMARY’S BABY! In addition to discussing this classic’s commentary on bodily autonomy, our hosts delve into the notion of “the devil next door.” Joining the conversation is celebrated screenwriter Joshua Conkel, who shares how this landmark piece of cinema's sophisticated construction has caused it not only to become his favorite film, but also a source of comfort. Then, acclaimed writer and “withered debutante” Muffy Bolding stops by to dig into her ongoing...

We live inside a dream! This week, Peaches and Michael are having some coffee and cherry pie in celebration of 1992’s TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME! In addition to discussing David Lynch’s symbolic smashing of the television set, our hosts delve into the importance of giving Laura Palmer life. Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Ariel Sinelnikoff, whose constantly evolving relationship with the town of Twin Peaks continues to inform her own work. Then, award-winning artist Drusilla Adeline stops by to explore the film’s nonlinear approach to narrative…and human nature...

Oh hi, Mark! This week, Peaches and Michael are spending some quality time on the roof in celebration of 2003’s THE ROOM! In addition to discussing Tommy Wiseau’s uniquely singular approach to storytelling, our hosts delve into this cult classic’s complicated presentation of female characters. Joining the discussion is acclaimed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza, who shares how his evolving relationship with the movie brought him to a new place of sympathy for its creator. Then, celebrated filmmaker Erick Lorinc stops by to dig into why THE ROOM’s reputation as one of “the...

Forget everything you have ever seen! This week, Peaches and Michael are running away with the circus in celebration of 1989’s SANTA SANGRE! In addition to discussing the Catholic damage of this Mexican/Italian co-production, our hosts discuss Alejandro Jodorowsky’s singular, mind-expanding sense of vision. Joining the conversation is celebrated filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero, whose longtime love of this cult classic has led her to many insightful, artistic revelations. Then, acclaimed actor Guillermo Diaz stops by to share how his first viewing of the movie left him astounded. From Luchadoras to elegant hand...

Angela is having a party…and you’ll have a hell of a time! This week, Peaches and Michael are headed to Hull House in celebration of 1988’s NIGHT OF THE DEMONS! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s place as a prime Halloween party movie, our hosts delve into the undeniable power of a Bauhaus dance number. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Loosey LaDuca, whose love of Linnea Quigley is a cornerstone of her appreciation for this goth fave. Then, celebrated cosplayer Gregory Van Abelar stops by to dig into how his...

It’s a movie about audience participation! This week, Peaches and Michael are making cemeteries their cathedrals in celebration of 1985’s DEMONS! In addition to discussing their love of films set at cinemas, our hosts delve into the gloriously gory legacy of Italian auteur Lamberto Bava! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Alexander McGregor Birrell, whose discovery of this cult classic at a young age has continued to influence his life and work. Then, STEREO ARGENTO co-founder and drag artist extraordinaire Andrew Sheets (aka Meredeath) stops by to dig into the larg...

We are the weirdos mister! This week, Peaches and Michael are casting spells in celebration of 1996’s THE CRAFT! In addition to discussing the lasting queer resonance of this cult classic, our hosts delve into the meaningful representation presented by each of the four witches. Joining the conversation is drag icon Vander Von Odd, who speaks to a lifetime of lessons learned from obsessing over this magical movie. Then, acclaimed writer Jenika McCrayer stops by to explore THE CRAFT's continued legacy and how it broke the mold in representations of teen empowerment. From su...

The Revolution Is My Boyfriend! This week, Peaches and Michael raise the amorous dead in an Idol Worship celebration of the legendary Bruce LaBruce! In addition to discussing this iconic cult filmmaker and artist’s impact on the world of queer punk cinema, our hosts delve into the evolving power of shock value. Joining the conversation is none other than Bruce LaBruce himself, who shares stories and insights about a lifetime of bucking the system. From underground zines to the collision of porn and art and beyond…this episode has it all! Go! 

You’ll never forget her! This week, Peaches and Michael learn that Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glamour as they tackle 1970’s MYRA BRECKINRIDGE! In addition to discussing this controversial classic’s place in the pantheon of queer cinema, our hosts delve into the film’s exploration of showbiz power dynamics. Joining the conversation is legendary actress/activist/performer Calpernia Addams, who not only helps deconstruct many of the movie’s trickier elements, but also shine a light on its endurance as a fantastical artifact. Then, acclimated drag artist Mad Magda (aka David Nemoyt...

From Baby Jane to Auntie Roo and beyond! This week, Peaches and Michael unveil a special episode dissecting one of horror’s most “Sainted Subgenres” – HAGSPLOITATION (aka “Psycho Biddies”)! In addition to discussing the many luminous women who brought these movies to life, our hosts tackle the oft problematic labeling of this particular avenue of fright. Joining the conversation is award-winning historian/author/host David Del Valle, who provides insight and personal stories about the era of Hollywood that birthed these films. Additionally, David digs into why these deliciously devilish dames connect with a whole generation o...

A pumpkin, if you please! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to the dark side of the rainbow in celebration of 1985’s RETURN TO OZ! In addition to discussing this unlikely sequel’s gateway horror leanings, our hosts delve into the many queer allusions of Dorothy Gale’s travels. Joining the conversation is award-winning author and illustrator Terry Blas, whose love of the character Tik-Tok has become a crucial part of his cult devotion. Then, acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Wesley Moore stops by to dig into the fact the spookiness is what m...

Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it! This week, Peaches and Michael are heading to Gotham City for the holidays in celebration of 1992’s BATMAN RETURNS! In addition to discussing the personal aesthetic Tim Burton brings to the comic book world, our hosts delve into this classic’s place as both a Christmas fave and gateway horror staple. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Mark O’ Connell, whose appreciation of the movie helps dissect its place in the greater Bat-pantheon. Then, celebrated adult entertainer and author Blue Bailey stops by to dig into C...

Hips or lips? This week, Peaches and Michael are having a questionable night out in celebration of 1980’s CRUISING! In addition to discussing the queer reclamation of this subversive fave, our hosts reflect on William Friedkin’s numerous intersections with the community. Joining the conversation is pop culture celebrant and recording artist Jeff Nelson, who shares how his evolving love of the film allowed him to embrace the camp in the darkness. Then, acclaimed photographer and author Leo Herrera stops by to dig into why our relationship with transgressive art helps define our quee...

Lights, camera, revolution! This week, Peaches and Michael take guerilla filmmaking to the extreme in celebration of 2000’s CECIL B. DEMENTED! In addition to discussing John Waters’ loving lambast of transgressive cinema, our hosts delve into what auteur’s name they’d be willing to have branded on their bodies. Joining the conversation is the Prince Charles Cinema’s Ralph Bogard, whose intersecting love of film exhibition and the Pope of Trash lead to insightful dissection of this cult classic. Then, Media Meltdown’s Piranha Psychotronica stops by to dig into the evolving prescience o...

We warned you not to go out tonight! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting positively 42nd Steet for their Idol Worship celebration of William Lustig! In addition to discussing this genre legend’s deep connection to New York City, our hosts delve into his dedication to preserving fright films from around the world. Joining the conversation is none other than the icon himself, William Lustig, fresh from being honored with the first inaugural lifetime achievement Leviathan Award at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. In this far ranging discussion, Lustig shares behind the scenes stories fr...

Dance by the light of the TV screen! This week, Peaches and Michael are tapping into a broadcast from beyond the stars in celebration of 1986’s TERRORVISION! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s bead on 80s archetypes, our hosts delve into the slimy staying power of asymmetrical monsters. Joining the conversation is the legendary writer/director of the film, Ted Nicolaou, who shares memories and behind-the-scenes tales of bringing this fan favorite to life. Then, Knucklehead of the acclaimed HEBGB TV stops by to talk about his longtime love of TERRORVISION and...